Advancing the Outdoor Professional

Advancing the Outdoor Professional

Join the Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education (AORE) as we dive into topics to help you advance your career in the outdoors. Thank you for our Advancing the Outdoor Professional jingle Demyan Hryciw!

Episodes

December 15, 2025 32 mins

Description

In this episode of Advancing the Outdoor Professional, our host Candace Brendler speaks with Josie McKee, Director of Operations and Communications at Responder Alliance. The two discuss managing burnout and the effects of traumatic stress injuries. From climbing instructor and wilderness educator to search & rescue team member and resilience trainer...

Mark as Played

In this episode, our host Candace Brendler chats with Karina Armijo, Director of the New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division, to explore what it's like to build and support outdoor recreation at the state level. Karina shares her unique career path—from graphic design and tourism marketing to leading outdoor recreation initiatives statewide—and how her deep connection to New Mexico's landscapes inspires her work.

Mark as Played

In this episode, Candace Brendler speaks with Chris Perkins, Vice President of Programs at the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, about the evolving landscape of the outdoor recreation workforce. Chris shares his winding career path—from field educator to national policy leader—and highlights why outdoor recreation is a growing and increasingly vital sector of the U.S. economy. The conversation explores s...

Mark as Played

Join host Candace Brendler as she sits down with Morgan Costello, the chair of the Board of Directors for AORE. In this episode, they delve into the roles and responsibilities of board members, the difference between a working and strategic board, and Morgan's personal journey to leadership. Discover the importance of community, empowerment, and the impact of grassroots organizations in the outdoor industry.

 

Read more

Mark as Played

In this conversation, Candace Brendler speaks with Elizabeth Allen, the Director of Impact and Learning at Justice Outside. They discuss the mission of Justice Outside, Elizabeth's career journey in trauma-informed practices, and the importance of creating inclusive outdoor experiences. Elizabeth shares insights into her daily work, the significance of trauma-informed care, and how to foster inclusivity within organizations. The co...

Mark as Played
April 7, 2025 41 mins

In this conversation, Candace Brendler interviews John Lacroix, the race director of the Human Potential Running Series, discussing the multifaceted role of a race director, the importance of risk management, community building through volunteerism, and the unique challenges of organizing trail running events. John shares insights into his career journey, the logistics involved in race planning, and the essential qualities and expe...

Mark as Played
In this conversation, Candace Brendler speaks with Elliot Drake-Maurer, the High School Leader Coordinator for the Oregon State University Extension Outdoor School. They discuss the structure and impact of outdoor education programs, the role of high school leaders, and the importance of inclusivity in outdoor experiences. Elliot shares his career journey, the barriers faced by students, and the significance of listening to co...
  • In this conversation, Candace Brendler speaks with Micah Leinbach, the executive director of the BOAT Bus, about the innovative mobile wilderness program designed to make outdoor education more accessible. They discuss the importance of inclusion in outdoor recreation, the unique model of the ...
    Mark as Played
    In this conversation, Candace Brendler speaks with Courtney Schultz, PhD, about the intersection of data science and accessibility in outdoor environments. They discuss the importance of using data to create inclusive spaces, the role of research in understanding community needs, and the neces...

    Mark as Played

    Check out Candace Brendler's conversation with Joe Stone, co-owner of Dovetail Trails Consulting, about the importance of creating adaptive and accessible recreation opportunities for people with disabilities. They discuss the role of Dovetail in advocating for disability rights, the challenges faced in making trails accessible, and the significance of providing detailed trail information. Joe shares his personal journey into this ...

    Mark as Played

    Join Candace Brendler as she chats with Heather West, Executive Director of Loop NOLA. Heather shares insights into the operations of her nonprofit, which focuses on outdoor adventure education for youth in New Orleans. She discusses her career journey, the challenges of running an urban outdoor nonprofit, and the importance of inclusivity in outdoor education. Heather emphasizes the need for understanding the local community and c...

    Mark as Played
    February 7, 2025 41 mins
    In this episode, Candace Brendler speaks with Aaryn Kay and Mike Passo about the Trail Skills Project and the evolving landscape of trail building careers. They discuss their personal journeys into the trail industry, the importance of workforce development, and the role of volunteers in maint...
    Mark as Played
    January 23, 2025 54 mins

    Check out our first live recording of a podcast while at the 2024 Outdoor Professional Conference in New Orleans. This conversation focuses on the management of a university climbing wall at James Madison University (JMU), highlighting the roles of student staff, the daily operations, and the importance of community and inclusivity in climbing. The discussion includes insights into the training and requirements for staff, the costs...

    Mark as Played
    January 6, 2025 37 mins

    In this conversation, Candace Brendler interviews Jeannette Stawski, the Executive Director of AORE, discussing her journey to leadership in outdoor education, the importance of credentials, the daily responsibilities of an executive director, and the significance of professional development and community building in the outdoor leadership space.

    Jeannette shares insights on her experiences, the challenges of nonprofit management, ...

    Mark as Played

    In this conversation the two Advancing the Outdoor Professional podcast hosts connection about outdoor leadership. Jeannette Stawski interviews Candace Brendler, exploring her journey in outdoor leadership and student development. Candace shares her experiences as a program coordinator at Princeton University, her passion for working with students, and her unique career path that includes roles as a rafting guide and middle school ...

    Mark as Played

    In this engaging conversation, Jeannette Stawski interviews Jenny Hill, the manager of membership and administration at AORE. They discuss Jenny's journey, her role in AORE, and the new initiative called the Outdoor Champion, which aims to create a community for individuals passionate about the outdoors. The conversation emphasizes the importance of inclusivity, engagement, and collaboration within the outdoor industry, highlightin...

    Mark as Played

    In this conversation, Candace Brendler interviews JD Tanner, Director of Education and Training at Leave No Trace, about his journey and experiences in outdoor education. JD shares his path to becoming an instructor, the role of traveling trainers, and the different levels of Leave No Trace certification. He discusses the importance of inclusivity in outdoor education, the day-to-day responsibilities of instructors, and the signifi...

    Mark as Played

    In this conversation, David Wheatley, founder of Humanergy, shares his journey into leadership development, emphasizing the importance of intentional training and experiential learning. He discusses the HILT program, designed to facilitate behavior change in leaders, and reflects on the common challenges faced by those transitioning into leadership roles. The conversation also touches on the future of outdoor leadership and the nee...

    Mark as Played

    Join Jeannette Stawski as she chats with Chris Perkins to discuss the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) and its recent report on recreation funding. Chris emphasizes the importance of outdoor recreation for physical and mental health, community connection, and economic impact. The discussion covers the challenges faced in maintaining outdoor infrastructure, the significance of the funding report, and the various sources of fundin...

    Mark as Played

    Learn more about the Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education and Leadership (JOREL) for our final podcast of season one! In this conversation, Guy Debrun discusses the JOREL with Jeannette Stawski. He shares his own outdoor adventures and explains his role as a lecturer in sports and recreation management. They discuss the importance of research in the outdoor industry and how the JOREL provides evidence-based best practices.

    The ...

    Mark as Played

    Popular Podcasts

      How do the smartest marketers and business entrepreneurs cut through the noise? And how do they manage to do it again and again? It's a combination of math—the strategy and analytics—and magic, the creative spark. Join iHeartMedia Chairman and CEO Bob Pittman as he analyzes the Math and Magic of marketing—sitting down with today's most gifted disruptors and compelling storytellers.

      Eye On College Basketball

      CBS Sports’ official college basketball podcast is the most entertaining and informative of its kind. Gary Parrish and Matt Norlander bring the sport into your ears at least three times per week with commentary, reporting, insider information and statistical analysis throughout college basketball all year long.

      The Questlove Show

      The Questlove Show builds on the award-winning Questlove Supreme podcast, bringing listeners into intimate, one-on-one conversations with peers, influences, and friends. Hosted by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, each episode uncovers the unexpected — from morning rituals and hidden talents to the art and experiences that shaped a guest’s journey. Sometimes playful, sometimes profound, always curious, QLS offers rare insight into leaders in music, film, television, comedy, literature, mental health, and beyond. It’s a fresh, unpredictable spin from a trusted source — a place where randomness is encouraged, tangents are welcomed, and conversations are anything but ordinary.

      Dateline NBC

      Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

      The Dan Bongino Show

      The Dan Bongino Show delivers no-nonsense analysis of the day’s most important political and cultural stories. Hosted by the former Deputy Director of the FBI, former Secret Service agent, NYPD officer, and bestselling author Dan Bongino, the show cuts through media spin with facts, accountability, and unapologetic conviction. Whether it’s exposing government overreach, defending constitutional freedoms, or connecting the dots the mainstream media ignores, The Dan Bongino Show provides in-depth analysis of the issues shaping America today. Each episode features sharp commentary, deep dives into breaking news, and behind-the-scenes insight you won’t hear anywhere else. Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dan-bongino-show/id965293227?mt=2 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4sftHO603JaFqpuQBEZReL?si=PBlx46DyS5KxCuCXMOrQvw Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/bongino?e9s=src_v1_sa%2Csrc_v4_sa_o

    Advertise With Us
    Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

    Connect

    © 2026 iHeartMedia, Inc.